Legendary film director S. Suleiman in critical condition

His wife has appealed to the government to lend financial support

LAHORE: Veteran Lollywood director S. Suleiman is in critical condition and has been shifted to National Hospital Lahore. As per details, Suleiman's condition has worsened during the past week as he battles multiple ailments including diabetes and cardiac troubles.

His wife, Kathak dancer Panna Baygum has appealed to the government of Pakistan to lend the family financial support in this difficult time.

"My husband has spent a wonderful time in the industry contributing alot during his lifetime. But at this age, he needs the support of the government. Earlier I wrote to the Prime Minister, President, Governor Punjab, Cheif Minister Punjab regarding financial support but no one listened me. I don't know where I can go for support at this age. During the last 25 years, I worked alot in raising funds  for Imran Khan's cancer hospital. However now when I am in need, no one is there to listen to me. There was a time when the government would have done something for a great director. However today that is not the case.  I feel completely helpless and suffering for my husband's treatment," Baygum said.



Likewise, actor Ashi Khan also believes that the authorities should intervene in assisting the family. " S Suleiman and his family including his brothers have done a lot for this industry. Everyone working in the industry today consider Sulaiman as their ustad (teacher).  He was among those film directors whose name alone guaranteed the success of a film. We appeal to the authorities to kindly consider the situation of the legendary director and facilitate the best possible treatment for him," Khan said.



Suleiman is one of the cornerstones of Lollywood. He  has directed over 60 films through the course of his careers. His films include superhits such as Mari, Baji, Zeenat, Uf yah Biwiyan, Muhabbat, Aag, insaniat, Lori, and Tari Surat Mari Aankhyn. Suleiman's film Zeenat became the inspiration for Bollywood film Baghbaan.

The legendary director has also been given the Sitara e Imtiaz and Pride of Performance award by the government of Pakistan. Additionally, he has won 10 Nigar Awards in his lifetime with a total of 50 awards both national and international under his belt.

Aside from his accolades and contributing a plethora of films to the industry, Suleiman is also credited for nurturing directors and actors. He is often regarded as the mentor of renowned Lollywood director Syed Noor. Noor had previously served as assistant director for Suleiman for 18 feature films. Among stars that were introduced in Suleiman's films included Zaiba Baygum, Ghulam Mahiuddin, Najma, Babra Sharif and many others.

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